In short: One underpass too many? A well organised race showing off the best of BracknellIn full: Having lived in Bracknell, I was surprised and relieved that the course was mostly along wooded footpaths through the estates and out of town. Quite twisty and turny in parts and the final few underpasses became a little bit of a drag. There were enough drinking stations, all well laid out and supported, but one more at the 9-11 mark would have been appreciated. Good finish area, but could we omit that short sharp hill at the very end next year? Made a PB by 3-mins, so I'll be back next year for more.Date of review: April 27, 2005

In short: Good all roundIn full: as an ex resident of Bracknell I never realised how hilly the town was especially around the half way mark... Nice drop downhill when we got to the top tho! Good to see so many kids helping at the water stops. Enjoyable day and too 11.25 mins off the personal best so can't be bad!Date of review: April 26, 2005

In short: Not the quickest of courses, but as it's local and the Berkshire County Championship I'll be backIn full: I was in the 2nd lead group that took a wrong turn at 2 miles. We eventually caught a couple of runners who dropped off the back of the lead pack, and I think the remainder of that group were well out of reach anyway, so probably no adverse effects on the overall results, (although of course it could of been different). One of those helping at the finish line overheard me asking the 2 guys who just beat me if they were in that group too (which they were) and was genuinely apologetic and wanted to know more to avoid a repeat next year - so credit for that. Also, 2 of us nearly got run over as a marshall had their back to us and failed to stop the traffic. Real shame because everyone else was really friendly / encouraging etc. Overall a good day, but not the easiest of courses.Date of review: April 26, 2005

In short: A reasonable marathon build-up race, made more enjoyable by the good weather.In full: Some people slag-off Bracknell (and having lived there in the past, rightly so!), but the course did vary and include some countryside-like stretches. It certainly wasn't all ugly urban sprawl. Avoiding the traffic was great! Loads of drinks stations. Excellent support, including an unusual number of good looking girlfriends etc to take my mind off the pain :) The start wasn't at all clear... certainly noone was making sure the runners were even facing the right way until the last minute! The finish was very pleasant, although I felt completely mugged by leaflet-pushers in my moment of greatest exhaustion! Also, call me picky, but what's with the hand-held metal detector waving at the end?... surely catching the electronic timing once people have crossed the line is pointless (assuming most people time themselves with watches anyway). I presume the system is a cheaper one than Championchip... which is brilliant (assuming you don't wear the sensor somewhere daft!).Date of review: April 25, 2005